Fasting during Lent

[sophies_mommy01]

Good Afternoon everyone

I am embarking on the journey to become Catholic (I start the RCIA process in September), and am trying to observe now. One thing I have a question on is fasting. I know we don’t eat meat on Fridays (easy enough to do), and to have the two smaller meals, one regular meal, which again is ok to do. But I am struggling with feeling faint and almost ill, in between meals etc, almost to the point where I am getting hypoglycemia. I am on medication for a couple of things, and I do have to take this medication each day, so I wasn’t sure if I could be abstained from fasting or not? If I could be excused, I thought I could still abstain from meat on Fridays, but also other things as well?

If anyone could offer any advice, I’d be grateful.

Heidi

 

[Spencerian]

Good Afternoon everyone

I am embarking on the journey to become Catholic (I start the RCIA process in September), and am trying to observe now. One thing I have a question on is fasting. I know we don’t eat meat on Fridays (easy enough to do), and to have the two smaller meals, one regular meal, which again is ok to do. But I am struggling with feeling faint and almost ill, in between meals etc, almost to the point where I am getting hypoglycemia. I am on medication for a couple of things, and I do have to take this medication each day, so I wasn’t sure if I could be abstained from fasting or not? If I could be excused, I thought I could still abstain from meat on Fridays, but also other things as well?

If anyone could offer any advice, I’d be grateful.

Heidi

Hi! As a fellow new initiate into the Church (OK, but 5 years is a short time), welcome!

The Church will dispense Catholics from obligations of abstinence or fasting for medical reasons, such as special diets or medication where lack of food could be an issue.

It is good that you respect the traditions. However, since you are not yet in full communion (not a member yet), you aren’t obligated to fast at all right now. If this makes it easier for you to do what must be done medically, I would respect the no-meat restriction as practical on Fridays, but do not concern yourself about abstinence and such things until (1) you are Catholic, and (2) you consult with your doctor and priest on the best way to go.

Congratulations again!

 

[paperwight]

There are only two days of fasting in the UK, Sophie, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Ther are days of abstinence from meat as well.

Do not be confused by references to compulsory Friday abstinence that you may read on this site, as the rules in the USA are different. Our UK bishops have decreed that we can subsitute another penance if we wish for not eating meat.

Likewise with fasting. I don’t know the US rules for fasting in Lent, but it’s certainly not compulsory in the UK. Penance is, which may take the form of fasting if we wish, but can jsut as easily be getting up to go to early Mass, giving up tv - whatever is meaningful for the individual.

You are not expected to harm your health, or make it impossible to carry out your duties at work or with your family. In fact, the Church says you must not do so, and gives many examples in Canon Law (I think laws numbered 1249-52) of people who are exempt. The age of course (14th birthday to 60th) but also if a person has headaches, can’t sleep, is ill, can’t work properly and not just manual work - there are other examples as well.).

So don’t get carried away in your zeal. Lent is a long, long haul, and the purpose of it is to grow in understanding, not to harm your health, which you definitely mustn’t do, as it’s going against your Creator.